GigiGal
I am 43, and the mother of 2 daughters (11 and 6). I am married, going on 14 years with the love of my life, Matt. We met in our early college years, dated and then parted. We kept in touch over the years, finally decided to see each other again, then quickly married in
I have struggled with my weight off and on throughout my life. I was big as a kid, (I ran in the "Chunky Races" as my Dad would say) [how, awful!! I know...long story]. In my late high-school years, I was thin (although, I thought that I was fat). I stayed that way, although it got harder and harder to keep the weight off year after year. Once, I had my first daughter, it was all downhill after that. Many diets ensued, the ones that I tried: WW, Dr.'s Quick Weight Loss, Adkins, the cabbage diet, Advocare, you name it. I had marginal success, but it would always come back. I tried exercise, and had success there too, but, if I didn't do it daily, I quickly got out of the "habit", and the weight rolled back on.
My weight and blood pressure has steadily increased, my knees hurt walking up/down stairs (so I avoid them at all costs) and my feet are starting to feel odd. I have severe apnea (which I never had any symptoms). I hate to go out anymore. I hate the staring, and the odd feeling that many people are looking at me. I am uncomfortable in my own skin. Oh and on my last business trip, I was so embarrassed!!!! I almost couldn't buckle the seat belt, I was glad that no one was around to see me struggle getting that red in the face, out of breath and literally squeezing myself into the seat!!!
I had gestational diabetes with both of my girls. My Mom was diagnosed about the same time my oldest was born (11 years ago). She is now experiencing a delay in wound healing because of it (even hospitalized because of it).
Now, my worst fear is coming home to roost. My oldest is experiencing the exact same thing that I did as an early adolescent. She is eating too much; she is growing too big for her existing clothing, she’s even being teased daily at school. (I was “Nudka the Killer Whale!!!”) I have to do something for her and for me. I don't want her to have to travel down the same hard road that I have traveled.
So, here I am. I have met and stayed in contact with 2 people that I know of that had bariatric surgery. One, I know had the RNY, almost 10 years ago, and is doing fantastic! The other, I'm not sure what procedure she had, but pictures of her are fabulous!!!
So now that I have been approved...which one do I go for? They both have good long-term prognosis, and the risks from the surgery are generally the same. My issue is that I want to allow for occasional sweets in my life, and I enjoy a good steak. I drink only socially, but would terribly miss the Margarita's!!!! Does anyone have any suggestions?
Oh, and before I go...I have my last sleep test on Thursday evening. I dread it because, my goodness that top band hurt!!! I have asked that they get a larger size for me, but not sure if the request got past the person on the phone.... Is this normal to have that top band so freaking tight???
